Social Development Minister Paula Bennett is not ruling out revealing private details of beneficiaries in the future.

It follows the Human Rights Commission telling Bennett that she breached the privacy of Natasha Fuller when she disclosed details of the solo mother's benefit to media.

The Commission released a letter from Bennett in which she acknowledged it considered she had done the wrong thing and recognised the personal cost the resulting public debate had on Fuller.

The findings by the Director of Human Rights Proceedings Robert Hesketh released today does not constitute a "finding" because it is a negotiated settlement.

Bennett said today it was Hesketh's "opinion" that she had breached Fuller's privacy but the two women had come to an agreement and proceedings wouldn't be taken against her.

"I do not believe I have breached privacy."

Asked if she would do the same thing again, Bennett said "it would depend on the circumstances".

"I'm four years in the job now, I'd have another look at it based on what the recommendations and rules are around privacy."

Labour leader David Shearer called on the minister to apologise, but Bennett said she would not say sorry.

"It's three years later, the letter has been done, we've all decided to move on," she said. "I certainly respect her request for privacy now and that the media aren't hounding her. So I want to show a degree of respect for that."

Greens co-leader Metiria Turei said it was a serious concern for Prime Minister John Key that Bennett was refusing to apologise or rule out releasing private details in the future.

"Beneficiaries have a right to privacy, they are entitled to their personal dignity and they shouldn't have a minister who is prepared to breach that and to interfere with their dignity just because she disagrees with what she says."

All beneficiaries were now at risk if they spoke out, she said.

"Paula Bennett will go into your personal files and use that information to attack you in public."

Saying the Commission had made an opinion was "just weasel words".

Shearer said Fuller was abused by Bennett.

"It was wrong, she should apologise, not just say she regrets it."

Fuller had come to an agreement with Bennett because she had been "damaged and hurt" and wanted the situation to go away, he said.

Key should demand assurances from Bennett that she wouldn't release private details again.